More on Soccer.

In case you missed it, early last September the U.S. national team qualified for the 2006 FIFA World Cup to be hosted in Germany. The U.S. team beat Mexico 2-0. Mexico is a strong player in the world of soccer. This victory was very significant in showing the U.S. as an emerging contender in this world sport. Folks in Mexico were NOT happy.

I remember watching the U.S. play Mexico in the 2002 World Cup. The Mexican crowd was quite hostile and so was the team. You have to remember, the run up to Iraq was underway and Bush has few friends down south. During the course of the game and in interviews afterward, there was some serious hostility between the two teams. If I recall the greatest scorn was heaped on the U.S. hispanic players. Calling them traitors and whatnot. When Mexico won, it was very much, an 'in your face' moment for Mexico. It was a bit unnerving but that goes to show how very serious many countries take this game and the tournement.

The World Cup is to Soccer, what the Superbowl is to American Football... only BIGGER.